Effects of Aesculetin on Tumor Growth and Metastasis and Immune Function in Lewis Lung Cancer Cell Transplanted Mice

This study investigated the effects of aesculetin on tumor growth and metastasis and immune function in Lewis lung cancer cell transplanted mice. The Lewis lung cancer cell transplanted model was established in fifty mice, which were then divided into model, cisplatin and 20, 40, and 80 mg/kg aesculetin groups, 10 mice in each group. The cisplatin group was treated with 3 mg/kg cisplatin. The 20, 40, and 80 mg/kg aesculetin groups were treated with 20, 40, and 80 mg/kg aesculetin, respectively. The treatment was performed once per two days, and was last for 12 days. The tumor inhibition rate and lung metastasis inhibition rate in 80 mg/kg aesculetin group were 42.71 +/- 5.59% and 68.23 +/- 7.77%, respectively. Compared with model group, in 80 mg/kg aesculetin group the spleen index and thymus index were significantly decreased (P < 0.05), the serum TNF-alpha and IL-2 level were significantly decreased (P < 0.05), the spleen CTL and NK cell activities were significantly increased (P < 0.05), and the spleen CD4(+) cell percentage and CD4(+)/CD8(+) ratio were increased (P < 0.05). In conclusion, aesculetin can inhibit the growth and metastasis of Lewis lung cancer cell transplanted tumor in mice, and enhance the immune function of mice.